.jpg)
1 hour ago
2
It’s official. JJ Wetherholt is heading to the big leagues.
The Cardinals announced Monday that their top prospect has made the Opening Day roster, a move that didn’t feel guaranteed a few weeks ago but now feels like the natural next step.
Wetherholt has been on a fast track from the start. After going seventh overall in the 2024 draft, he moved quickly through the minors and never really slowed down. By the end of 2025, he had already reached Triple-A and looked more than comfortable.
He hit .306 across Double-A and Triple-A last season with 17 home runs, 28 doubles, and 23 stolen bases. More importantly, he looked polished. The approach, the timing, and the confidence at the plate all stood out.
That’s why this decision matters.
The Cardinals didn’t have to bring him north right away. Teams usually take their time with players like this. But Wetherholt forced the issue. He kept producing, kept adjusting, and gave them little reason to wait.
Even this spring, while the numbers were modest, his ability to get on base and control at-bats showed up.
More: Beloved Pirates OF makes Rangers Opening Day roster after late signing
Opening Day now has a new storyline
Wetherholt won’t have to wait long for his moment.
The Cardinals open the season Thursday at Busch Stadium against the Rays, and suddenly, all eyes will be on their newest arrival. Whether he’s in the starting lineup or coming off the bench, his debut becomes one of the biggest storylines of the day.
For a team looking for a spark, this is a big one.
More MLB news:
- Blue Jays sign Joe Mantiply to minor league contract
- Dodgers’ Roki Sasaki will return to rotation, not bullpen according Dave Roberts
- Joey Wentz is out for the season with a torn ACL for the Braves
- Reds’ Hunter Greene to be out until July amid brutal injury news
- Braves predicted to trade Bryce Elder for Lars Nootbaar
- Jesus Luzardo’s $135 million extension is a steal for Phillies
And for Wetherholt, it’s the moment he’s been working toward all along.
English (US)